JoyCast - Podcast

Rob Wise sits down with Lori Motal and Barbara Aksamit to explore how the Joy School’s partnership with the Bell Park community garden is transforming learning for students. Through hands-on experiences in gardening, mindfulness, teamwork, and community stewardship, students develop executive functioning, confidence, self-advocacy, and real-world problem-solving skills beyond the traditional classroom. From planting pollinator gardens to maintaining the park’s fountain, the conversation highlights how experiential learning helps students discover joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging while making a meaningful impact in their community.

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Rob Wise speaks with Nathalie Hernandez about her son Nicholas’s transformative journey at The Joy School. Over five years, he developed resilience, self-confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of self-advocacy, positively impacting their entire family dynamic. Nathalie emphasizes the importance of finding an environment where children feel understood, encouraging other parents not to settle and to seek out spaces where their children can truly thrive.

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After discovering The Joy School and taking a leap of faith, Tamika saw a remarkable transformation. Her daughter began to regain confidence, advocate for herself, build friendships, and re-engage with learning in a meaningful way. Tamika encourages other parents not to give up, to ask questions, and to seek out schools that embrace each child’s unique learning profile. 

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In this episode of JoyCast, Rob Wise sits down with middle school ELA teacher Katie Kushner to unpack what executive functioning really is and how these critical skills are developed in students over time. They explore the misconception that students will automatically apply skills learned at school to home, emphasizing instead that executive functioning requires intentional practice, repetition, and support across environments.

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In this episode of JoyCast, Rob Wise sits down with Heather Reeves, middle school math teacher, to break down a simple, repeatable system for helping students study effectively for math quizzes and tests. Heather shares her three-tiered framework, Ask, Target, and Synthesize, designed to build not only math skills but also self-awareness, self-advocacy, and independence in students.

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In this episode, we'll learn about the journey that Christine Pratt, Director of Admissions, took from the classroom to the admissions office, along with helpful information for parents seeking solutions for their children. The care Christine offers each family navigating this complex process is evident in the time and attention our families receive.  

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